Besides Ramshackle Glory, Pat used to be a member of the rap collectives Playtime Posse and Bootycastle. He was a working contributor to indie pop group One Man Romance.
In the past, Pat was the core (and sometimes only) member of the acoustic punk bands Wingnut Dishwashers Union and Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains. He played bass for periods of time in Fancy Pants and the Cellphones and MIchael Jordan Touchdown Pass.
Other past bands include Pyrotechnic Conspiracy, Running With Meat Cleavers, Evil Drummer Boy, Double-A, Seven Seas MCs, Linear Picnic, Gary Glitter's Hard Drive, and Cats Rap.
In February 2016, he announced his retirement from music scene, largely due to his recent disconnect from the anarcho-punk scene.
I'm Going Home
Pat The Bunny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On music, like it were that simple
But if singing changed anything
They'd make it illegal
I hate strangers, loud noises and crowds
I'll play a show every night
And would you, and would you believe there are people
Who come to me for advice
'Cause I'm going home
I was desperate enough for the feeling
Of pushing back to jump into the streets
The cops had us all surrounded
Hear them gnashing their teeth
Ready now, bail down the alley
When we hit the next light
And would you, and would you believe there are people
Who ask me how to fight
I'm running fast as these legs can go, and I'm going home
Five years ago, I was broken enough
To just shut the fuck up
I got sober by going to rehab
Not arguing so much for once
Punk rockers ask how I did it
Hoping for an easier way
And would you, and would you believe that they don't like
What I have to say
I pray as much as an atheist can
And then I walk home
I'm going fast as the car can go
'Cause I'm going home.
The lyrics of Pat The Bunny's song "I'm going home" describe the singer's battle with depression, addiction, and anxiety. The song opens with the confession that the singer was "stupid enough" to throw their life away on music, implying that they had given up other pursuits in life for the sake of their art. However, they suggest that singing alone cannot change anything in the larger world.
The singer goes on to express their discomfort with loud noises, crowds, and strangers, which might explain why they need to "go home." They then describe a moment of confrontation with the police, which ends in a narrow escape. Despite their anxiety and fears, the singer is surprised to find that people still come to them for advice on how to fight.
The final verse describes the singer's path to sobriety through rehab and prayer, which they admit seems contradictory as an atheist. Despite their struggles, they are determined to keep moving forward, driving and running as fast as they can towards their ultimate destination: home. Overall, the song conveys a sense of restlessness and a longing for security and stability, while also acknowledging the singer's complicated relationship with their past and present selves.
Line by Line Meaning
I was stupid enough to throw my life away
I made the mistake of sacrificing everything for my passion for music, as if it would be that simple.
On music, like it were that simple
I devoted myself to music, believing it to be easy and straightforward.
But if singing changed anything
Despite my love for music and song, I am deeply skeptical that it has the power to create any real change.
They'd make it illegal
If it truly had transformative power, those in power would suppress it to maintain the status quo.
I hate strangers, loud noises and crowds
I suffer from social anxiety and struggle in overwhelming or unfamiliar situations.
I'll play a show every night
Despite my discomfort in social settings, I still perform music each night.
And would you, and would you believe there are people
Surprisingly, there are those who look to me for guidance, even with my issues and flaws.
Who come to me for advice
I have somehow become a source of wisdom and support for others, despite my own struggles.
I'm driving fast as the car can go
In this moment, I am rushing to return to the comfort and safety of my own home.
'Cause I'm going home
This is my ultimate destination and goal - to return to my own space and have a sense of security and control.
I was desperate enough for the feeling
At one point, I was willing to risk everything for the thrill of rebellion and pushing back against societal norms.
Of pushing back to jump into the streets
I craved the excitement and danger of challenging the expectations and rules of society.
The cops had us all surrounded
This recklessness and rebellion led me to dangerous situations, including run-ins with law enforcement.
Hear them gnashing their teeth
I can recall the fear and tension of those moments vividly, hearing the anger and aggression of those who were pursuing us.
Ready now, bail down the alley
In those moments, we were prepared to do whatever it took to escape and avoid consequences for our actions.
When we hit the next light
We had a plan in place, but it was fragile and uncertain as we tried to navigate the obstacles that were thrown at us.
And would you, and would you believe there are people
Despite my reckless behavior and questionable decisions, people still look to me for guidance and inspiration.
Who ask me how to fight
Somehow, I have become a symbol of resistance and defiance, and people look to me for advice on how to stand up to the status quo.
I'm running fast as these legs can go, and I'm going home
In this moment, I am moving quickly toward my ultimate goal of returning to the comfort of my own home, despite the challenges and obstacles along the way.
Five years ago, I was broken enough
At a low point in my life, I was completely shattered and felt powerless to change my circumstances.
To just shut the fuck up
I was so defeated and resigned to my situation that I stopped speaking out or trying to create change.
I got sober by going to rehab
Eventually, I recognized that I needed help and sought out professional support to deal with my addiction and other issues.
Not arguing so much for once
As I worked on myself, I found that I was less prone to arguing or being defensive in my interactions with others.
Punk rockers ask how I did it
Despite my own struggles, other members of my music community seek my guidance on personal issues, perhaps because they can relate to my experiences.
Hoping for an easier way
Others are looking for a quick fix or easy solution to their problems, which I know from personal experience is not a sustainable solution.
And would you, and would you believe that they don't like
Despite my willingness to help and support others, some are put off by my honesty and frankness about the challenges they face.
What I have to say
I recognize that my honesty and straightforwardness can be abrasive or unwelcome to some, but I feel compelled to speak the truth regardless.
I pray as much as an atheist can
Despite my rejection of traditional religious beliefs, I still have moments of hopefulness and introspection that might be compared to prayer.
And then I walk home
Ultimately, my journey involves seeking inner peace and tranquility, rather than external validation or recognition.
I'm going fast as the car can go
In this moment, I am moving quickly and decisively toward my ultimate goal of returning to the comfort of my own home.
'Cause I'm going home.
Despite the obstacles and challenges along the way, I remain focused and determined to reach my destination of a safe and secure home.
Contributed by Charlotte F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul Bowman
on Run from what's comfortable
I woke up thinking:
God is real, but against us
Pray for what you don't want
Reverse theology
I'll pray for freedom
Because no matter how much I say I want it
I'm still getting led around by a cigarette
Or anger or fear
Take your pick
I don't give a shit
And I wish it weren't true
But to get free we have to start with what's true I think
[Chorus]
And if I have to tell you that what's real is terrible
Maybe you're in the wrong place
If I have to tell you that what's true is terrible
Maybe you're in the wrong place
Because I've done horrible things to wonderful people
I've let horrible people stay living
I've looked my family in the eye and told them:
"Leave me to die, or I'll make you sorry you didn't."
I've stolen from people who didn't deserve
I've not helped people who did
I've turned away when I knew I made a mistake
Instead of dealing with it
I've wasted good chances I've had in this life
That other people won't even get
I put off making things right with Andy
And now he's dead
But if we can stay one inch this side of dying
The most terrible things we can imagine can happen
And our breath will carry us forward
When we don't have the strength to carry ourselves
And we'll get another chance at not spreading misery
At least for today
[Chorus]
If I have to tell you that we are beautiful
Maybe you're in the right place
If I ever forget that we are beautiful
I hope you're here to remind me
If I have to tell you that we are beautiful
I hope you'll stick around until you can see it